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ramon villalobos

The crazy old lady known only as La Curandera tells a tale that begins 500 years ago in the Aztec Empire at the peak of its strength and ends in her dirty little Arizona gift shop with four kids and a wayward Chupacabra, all of whom are meant to save the world from an ancient evil. Alas, it’s a school night. But our heroes defy their destinies at tremendous cost when a new and yet very familiar foe is revealed.

After barely surviving a supernatural showdown at Jack in the Box, the kids regroup over nachos to debate what to do when your town is overrun by monsters of myth. Frank’s freaked and wants to go to the cops! Julietta can’t because her family’s undocumented. Aimi wants to know the secrets of the underworld! And Quinteh might just be hungry. Meanwhile, El Chupacabra crosses the border between worlds, bringing with him an unspeakably terrifying force to Devil’s Fork.

The first issue of Border Town was very entertaining introducing us to a world we don’t see too often, Lantinx inspired monsters. Writer Eric M. Esquivel is blending together so many different myths and histories into a series that feels fresh just from that focus alone. At its core, Border Town is Scooby-Doo with a very different cast. But, Esquivel delivers so much more by giving us a world so many of us know so little about. Border Town is based on his Chicano experience and for some of us, an introduction to that world.

The second issue has the kids coming together attempting to figure out what’s going on and what, if anything, they can do about it. Laying out scenarios, it’s interesting how Esquivel uses each character’s background to provide logical dead ends and limit the direction. The reader can’t really argue with the logic presented and thus the story is driven in a way that makes sense. And, by doing things this way, each character feels like a piece of a puzzle creating the greater whole. He also touches upon the reality of the world they live in using it to enhance the story and add depth to it all.

And the whole is a lot of fun. This is a monster story at its heart and that includes the craziness we’d expect from those stories. There’s a lot as to what it all feels like but in the end it’s fun and that’s what matters.

That’s helped through the art of Ramon Villalobos, who’s joined by Tamra Bonvillain on color, to deliver creatures we’ve never seen before. I couldn’t tell you who 99% of them are but the designs are detailed and with one particular spread we’re challenged to linger on the page looking at them all. The art enhances the culture it’s all based off of with small details that stand out. These could have easily been generic monsters in a way but the choice of a piece of clothing, or skin tone, all make it feel like something new and fresh.

And that’s the key to the series, it feels fresh. Again, this is a monster comic with kids trying to fight them. We’ve seen that before many times. But, it’s the history and perspective of this all that feels new and stands out. This is a prime example of why giving new voices a chance is important they bring new perspectives we might have never seen. And that alone can deliver something new and fun.

After barely surviving a supernatural showdown at Jack in the Box, the kids regroup over nachos to debate what to do when your town is overrun by monsters of myth. Frank’s freaked and wants to go to the cops! Julietta can’t because her family’s undocumented. Aimi wants to know the secrets of the underworld! And Quinteh might just be hungry. Meanwhile, El Chupacabra crosses the border between worlds, bringing with him an unspeakably terrifying force to Devil’s Fork.

Ramon Villalobosis a professional comic artist living in Stockton California. He’s worked on books for Marvel such as Nighthawk, Secret Wars: E is for Extinction, America, among others and now Border Town (co created with Eric M. Esquivel) for Vertigo Comics.

“When a crack in the border between worlds releases an army of monsters from Mexican folklore, the residents of Devil’s Fork, AZ, blame the ensuing weirdness—the shared nightmares, the otherworldly radio transmissions, the mysterious goat mutilations—on “God-dang illegals.” With racial tensions supernaturally charged, it’s up to new kid in town Frank Dominguez and a motley crew of high school misfits to discover what’s really going on in this town torn between worlds.”

DC Entertainment has announced that the recently released Border Town #1 from DC Vertigo is headed into a second printing. The first issue debuted to incredible fan response and critical acclaim.

Border Town from writer Eric M. Esquivel and artists Ramon Villalobos and Tamra Bonvillain is an ongoing series based in the fictional town of Devil’s Fork, Arizona, as a crack in the border between our world and Mictlan unleashes monsters from Mexican folklore. As the residents of the small border town are plagued by shared nightmares, otherworldly radio transmission, and mysterious goat mutilations, racial tensions will become supernaturally charged. It’s now up to the new kid in town, Frank (Francisco) Dominguez, and a motley crew of high school misfits to discover what’s really going on.

Border Town is the first of a new line of creator-owned series from the recently rebranded DC Vertigo imprint, led by Executive Editor Mark Doyle and dedicated to creating modern, socially relevant, high-concept stories appealing to readers of all genres.

The second printing of Border Town #1 will arrive in local comic shops October 10, with Border Town #2 available on October 3.

It’s Wednesday which means it’s new comic book day with new releases hitting shelves, both physical and digital, all across the world.

We previously reviewed Border Town #1 after San Diego Comic Con but DC Comics sent us this mysterious package. We open it up and once again give our thoughts about this new Vertigo series!

When a crack in the border between worlds releases an army of monsters from Mexican folklore into the small town of Devil’s Fork, Arizona, the residents blame the ensuing weirdness—the shared nightmares, the otherworldly radio transmissions, the mysterious goat mutilations—on “God-dang illegals.” With racial tensions supernaturally charged, it’s up to new kid in town Frank Dominguez and a motley crew of high school misfits to discover what’s REALLY going on.

DC Comics provided Graphic Policy with FREE copies for reviewThis post contains affiliate links, which means that if you click on one of the product links and make a purchase, we’ll receive a percentage of the sale. Graphic Policy does purchase items from this site. Making purchases through these links helps support the site

When a crack in the border between worlds releases an army of monsters from Mexican folklore, the residents of Devil’s Fork, AZ, blame the ensuing weirdness-the shared nightmares, the otherworldly radio transmissions, the mysterious goat mutilations-on “God-dang illegals.” With racial tensions supernaturally charged, it’s up to new kid in town Frank Dominguez and a motley crew of high school misfits to discover what’s really going on in this town torn between worlds.

Coming this Fall is a new era of DC Vertigo—with new series, new voices, and a bold new direction. Hitting shelves September 5 is the all-new Border Town from Eric M. Esquivel, Ramon Villalobos, Tamra Bonvillain (colors) and Deron Bennett (letters).

When a crack in the border between worlds releases an army of monsters from Mexican folklore, the residents of Devil’s Fork, AZ, blame the ensuing weirdness—the shared nightmares, the otherworldly radio transmissions, the mysterious goat mutilations—on “God-dang illegals.” With racial tensions supernaturally charged, it’s up to new kid in town Frank Dominguez and a motley crew of high school misfits to discover what’s really going on in this town torn between worlds.

Esquivel explains the series:

Border Town is informed by the weird relationship I have with my ethnicity (I’m a biracial Mexican/Irish guy), the scary stories my cousins traumatized me with when I was a niño, the weird culture of the town I moved to right before my sophomore year of high school– basically all of the stuff I never thought anyone in the world would care about, except for me. Our book takes place in Arizona. And Arizona’s most striking quality is that all of its most gorgeous sights occur right next to its ugliest. Picturesque sunsets fall over Joe Arpaio’s gleefully inhumane outdoor prisons. Flowers bloom on some of the most poisonous plants known to man. It’s anything but subtle.

Esquivel is one of a handful of creators who will be relaunching DC‘s Vertigo imprint. Along with creator Ramon Villalobos the two will be releasing Border Town in September, the first new series to be launched as part of the new direction for the comic line.

The description of the series is below.

When a crack in the border between worlds releases an army of monsters from Mexican folklore into the small town of Devil’s Fork, Arizona, the residents blame the ensuing weirdness—the shared nightmares, the otherworldly radio transmissions, the mysterious goat mutilations—on “God-dang illegals.” With racial tensions supernaturally charged, it’s up to new kid in town Frank Dominguez and a motley crew of high school misfits to discover what’s REALLY going on.

While we could go on about the toxic elements that lie within the comic community and in society as a whole (Esquivel’s Tweet is full of them in responses), we’re taking Esquivel’s lead to use this opportunity to promote Latinx creators.

If we’ve missed any we apologize and please add more in the comments!

Since media parasites are reporting about my tweets: YOUNG LATINX COMIC CREATORS, send me images of your work & a link to where people can buy it.

Save the date! MARCH 15 & 16, 2019 is the date for our next Latino Comics Expo! Happening at Modesto Junior College in Modesto, CA. Please mark your calendars and make plans to join us! pic.twitter.com/d8bjgaPA6t

In the Mayan Pantheon, Chen the moon goddess/god is known as the patron of homosexuality. At times, this deity is depicted as having male genitalia, particularly when accompanied by demonic figures, but most often Chen (or Chin) is shown as a woman. #folklorethursdaypic.twitter.com/n89BbudB5t

This Monday we began summer music classes at Casa Del Mexicano. These classes are part of summer programming that includes music and a community garden for families and individuals to grow food and plants; part of their community and history. Contact qflores@elacc.org for info pic.twitter.com/SjcmZKJ5dK

Hi, I’m Mauro, Costa Rican born 🇨🇷 currently working on first issue of web comic “TVSetGo!” The story of a posthuman TV Set in search for meaning & also constantly creating Children’s Books. Thank you!! pic.twitter.com/VIcrP6E5Po

Hola todos I am a #Boricua living outside my Island and the US because medical expenses and student loans suck a culo apestoso. I write and comics/prose/Film/TV Designs for Moon Wrasse and Prizediver by Tomas Rico and Neon Swamp co-created by @purenonsens. Films directed by moi. pic.twitter.com/uiXDojqnXq

Finishing up writing this pilot for a crazy as hell tv show I've been mulling over for the past two years. I've been hesitant to release it because of how rarely you see latinos in the movie and tv business but I'm hoping that we get more positive representation soon.

Here's the print I'll have next week in San Diego exclusively at CHICANO CON. I'm there on Saturday. (Yes, that's some Mexican sweet bread in Muerto's hands!!!). Happening at @BorderXBrewingpic.twitter.com/FlPFWjizyH

DC Entertainment‘s Vertigo imprint is celebrating their 25th anniversary and this fall the line of comics will relaunch with seven original series that look to take on hot button topics. The creators attached feature long time comic creators as well as new voices such as Zoe Quinn, Nine Inch Nails art director Rob Sheridan, and sex education podcaster Tina Horn. The comics have no problem taking on touchy subject matter like white supremacy, virtual reality deities, and sex work. DC describes the line as “modern, socially relevant, and high-concept.”

These seven new series are on top of the new line of Sandman titles previously announced. In the announcement Vertigo executive editor Mark Doyle said:

It’s time to rebuild DC Vertigo. We’re returning to our roots by spotlighting the most exciting new voices in comics, as well as bringing new voices to comics. From the corners of television, games, music, activism, podcasting, comics and more, all of our creators are passionate and have something to say. These sophisticated stories have amazing new characters and vast worlds to explore. That’s what it has always been about for me — new stories, new voices, new possibilities. We’re creating a new generation of DC Vertigo classics for readers of all genres.

Vertigo launched in 1993 to publish more adult and graphic content that couldn’t be printed under the Comics Code Authority. It allowed more freedom than the DC line would allow. The line saw such titles as Sandman, American Vampire, Astro City, Daytripper, 100 Bullets, DMZ, Human Target, iZombie, Northlanders, Y: The Last Man, Sweet Tooth, and so much more by some of the best in the buesiness.

The series are:

Border Town by Eric M. Esquivel and Ramon Villalobos

When a crack in the border between worlds releases an army of monsters from Mexican folklore into the small town of Devil’s Fork, Arizona, the residents blame the ensuing weirdness—the shared nightmares, the otherworldly radio transmissions, the mysterious goat mutilations—on “God-dang illegals.” With racial tensions supernaturally charged, it’s up to new kid in town Frank Dominguez and a motley crew of high school misfits to discover what’s REALLY going on. (September 2018)

Hex Wives by Ben Blacker and Mirka Andolfo

“The women are too powerful. They must be tamed.” A malevolent conspiracy of men brainwashes a coven of witches to be subservient, suburban housewives. But it’s only a matter of time before the women remember their power… (October 2018)

American Carnage by Bryan Hill and Leandro Fernandez

In this thrilling crime saga, disgraced FBI agent Richard Wright, who is biracial but can pass for white, goes undercover in a white supremacist group believed to be responsible for the death of a fellow agent. (November 2018)

Goddess Mode by Zoë Quinn and Robbi Rodriguez

In a near future where all of humanity’s needs are administered by a godlike A.I., it’s one young woman’s horrible job to do tech support on it. But when Cassandra finds herself violently drawn into a hidden and deadly digital world beneath our own, she discovers a group of super-powered women and horrific monsters locked in a secret war for the cheat codes to reality. (December 2018)

High Level by Rob Sheridan and Barnaby Bagenda

Hundreds of years after the world ended and human society was rebuilt from scratch, a self-interested smuggler with a price on her head is forced to traverse a new continent of danger and mystery to deliver a child messiah to High Level, a mythical city at the top of the world from which no one has ever returned. (2019)

Safe Sex by Tina Horn and Mike Dowling

A dystopian sci-fi thriller about a ragtag team of sex workers fighting for the freedom to love in a world where sexual pleasure is monitored, regulated and policed by the government. (2019)

Second Coming by Mark Russell and Richard Pace

God sends Jesus to Earth in hopes that he will learn the family trade from Sun-Man, an all-powerful superhero, who is like the varsity quarterback son God never had. But, upon his return to Earth, Christ is appalled to discover what has become of his Gospel and vows to set the record right. (2019)

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When a product has been provided for free you will see disclosure at the bottom of the article. When such a disclosure does not exist, you can assume that the items have been purchased for review.

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